Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

After wearing a pair of Asolo 520's for 12 years and having them resoled 3 times due to sheer mileage, I was looking forward to these. After a year the outer sole came loose. Seems Asolo quality in this respect has gone down since my 1st pair (this appears to be a common issue). Beware pivoting movements as this will peel the sole from the mid-sole. Once sole was glued back on - its a solid boot, comfortable, tough. After the loss of sole - I moved on to Zamberlain as a primary hiking boot.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

The insulation in these boots allows the boot to hug your feet with great comfort.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

Love them so far! Tested the waterproof boots in freezing cold running water in Oregon... after a few minutes my toes got a little cold but nothing was wet! Worth every stinkin penny...

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

My first pair of Asolos--520's I believe they are called---have lasted for 3.5 years of daily wear on trails, in the city, creek scrambling etc. I love them. Indeed, beyond some wear on the sole and some cosmetic damage, they are still trucking. However, for my first extended back-country trip to Glacier I wanted a new pair of boots. I opted for the Powermatic 200's and was not disappointed. I broke them in on the trip across country, with day hikes in Rock Mountain and Yellowstone, but it wasn't necessary. They were delightful right out of the box. As mentioned by many, the toes do take some abuse, but the waterproofing and functionality are in no way compromised and most of the scuffs that they gained in 4 days between Logan Pass and Many Glaciers can be hidden with mink oil. I don't hide them, however, as they remind me of that wonderful trip! The southern Appalachians where we live are DAMP! But, Asolo has kept my feet dry for almost 4 years. I work with at-risk children and direct a variety of activities from kickball to hiking, when my administrative duties allow, and I wear these 200's for everything. I have not, as some reviewers have, found them to be too heavy for anything. I will be buying a back-up pair soon. I'm weird that way. I find a good thing and stock up just in case the model is discontinued---it's an annoying idiosyncrasy. I would definitely recommend these boots to a friend.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

FIRST OFF: Thanks to REI - they went out of their way on multiple levels to make the details of this order and its logistics (no problem with the boots, just the order/shipping) right. Very excellent service.

As to the boots ...
I did a lot of research. They really are comfortable out of the box. I'm a paramedic and chose to do a basic fit test during my 24hr 911 shift Saturday before taking them on the trail. My partner remarked how after 8 hours in my well-broken-in and well-liked duty boots, I'm always swapping into base slippers for comfort. I did 16 hours on the truck with the Asolos out of the box, no problems.

Then I took them for their virgin hike on about 14 miles climbing Whiteface and Passaconaway ... when I lost the Blueberry Ledge Cutoff, I loved their stability for bushwhacking and managing surprise rocks under leaves. On the ledge, as noted in my summary above, grip was like Spiderman ... could not believe to what and how well they held. I got no blisters though felt a little heel rub to be expected ... and, because of getting lost, I was hiking very fast and aggressive to make up lost time so they got a very intensive blister-test (used thick hiking socks with thin liner socks). Once again, the Asolo's helped there with their strong lateral stability and strategic flexibility.

No water testing yet, but Gortex is Gortex.

I'll keep my eye out for wear issues such as I've seen in reviews here and elsewhere, but no signs of anything but dirt on these. Oh, and the folks whining about scuffs ... REALLY?? It's a HIKING boot ... not club wear for young urban professionals. I'll report back on this after a few months more climbing. Only reason for 4-not-5 stars is I've only used them once, so durability and water have not been fully tested.

A note about sizing and my feet, since everyone is different:

SIZING: In distance running shoes, I wear a 10.5, and the 11's for Asolo fit perfect - with room for winter socks and lace-tightenability for thinner summer ones.

FEET: Mine are a trainwreck of past injuries from playing way too hard in too many sports, and having flat feet to start with. I have collapsed arches, have destroyed the cartilage on a medial malleosis, and cracked both large tarsals, as well as pulled both plantars. I used my green superfeet on top of the Asolo insole and they were awesome for support and comfort.

Service and delivery comments:

REI went OUT OF THEIR WAY to make this order right, and address shipping logistics problems. They re-earned my loyalty big time.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I' ve had these boots for ayear now and I really couldn't be more pleased. I bought them to be a four season hiker, though we don't ever get hot weather up here. I snowshoe with these and they keep my feet plent warm. I also have spent a solid day schlepping 100+ pound packs through spring snow and sodden ground with minimal leakage.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I bought these boots a few years back (so maybe it is a newer model/glue), but I had previously had 2 similiar pairs of ASOLO boots and loved them, so when my previous pair had a flat sole (after about 7k miles), I had to get a new pair of Asolo's, well after starting a new family and 6 months of not really hiking but using them every now and then to break them in the soles fell off. I brought them into REI and complained but was told "Those look nicely worn." They were no where near "nicely worn" they failed prematurely. I tried to reglue them as that was the REI reps recommendation, but that failed and they really aren't usable. I would say I received around 10% usage out of these compared to my previous pairs. Maybe I got 10 times as much usage out of my previous pairs, but they both had over 5k miles on each; while these had less than 500, probably closer to 250.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

great hiking boots. Keeps you dry. Sturdy.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

Impressive boots, I have had a pair of the 520's since 1999, with 3 resoles. Asolo makes an impressive boot. I've had these powermatics for 3 years. These 200 GV's don't fit my feet as well as the old 520's, but that is my only negative- they are slightly wider. Nothing that that relacing could not solve. I like the black color as I ride a motorcycle to work (best to not show up in shoes from Star Trek). These give the ankle support/protection and excellent traction needed to support a large on/off road motorcycle in wet, muddy and oily conditions. Tough as nails, waterproof even at 70mph. More then up for the challenge of long day hikes in Scotland and Blue Ridge mtn's. Heavy - yes, but these are heavy duty boots with substantial ankle support and foot protection. Lighter duty models are available if weight is a factor. After 3 years of daily wear, they still polish to a shine if needed. Whether you are hiking, motorcycling, skydiving, or in a foiegn land with only one pair of shoes, these Asolo's will not let you down.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

When I first bought these boots my mentality was, "If I'm spending this much money on a pair of boots they had better last FOREVER and go ANYWHERE!" And the latter is definitely true! I've only had these boots a couple of months, so I cannot yet comment on how long they last. However, they are waterproof, and they do go anywhere.

I did a two-night hike which included going over Roan Mountain, TN; descending into Hughes Gap; and descending into Iron Mountain Gap where I put these boots through snow, ice, mud, leaves, pine needles, roots (both wet and dry), rocks (both wet and dry), dirt, gravel, grass, and every combination above--and I do mean EVERY combination. To top it off, I did all this with my dog tied to the hip belt of my pack and pulling me up the climbs and down the descents. These boots held their own! They didn't slip on anything. Even on slick, wet, rugged descents when my dog yanked the leash right as I took a step, these boots kept great traction.

If you face the same dilemma I went through where you can find the TPS in stores, but you can't find a store with the Power Matic in stock anywhere, this is my advice to you: The TPS is the same sizing as the Power Matic. So, go into a brick-and-mortar store and try on the TPS. Once you know what size fits you in the TPS then order the same size in the Power Matic. The Power Matic is definitely worth it!

Another thing to note about this boot, the arch support is noticeably more prominent in the Power Matic than in the TPS. This being said, the way the arch support is constructed in the Power Matic will force your feet into a proper gait and stride--especially with YOUR TOES POINTED FORWARD! If you walk with your toes pointed inward (pigeon-toed) or if you walk like I used to with your toes pointed outward (duck-footed), then your feet will throw a fit. Once you point your toes forward and assume a proper gait and stride then these boots will be one of the most comfortable boots you'll ever wear.

The micro-pulley system is great for keeping even pressure around the foot, and it does wonders in helping you get your foot in and out of the boot on cold mornings when the leather is stiff.

These boots do take some time to break-in, but all boots do. If you need to treat them at all, use Sno-Seal.

Last but not least, before I bought these boots I read many reviews talking about how the toes scuff easily. The scuff marks don't change the functionality of the boot. If you are the kind of person who does not like to get your hiking boots dirty, these are not the boots for you.